Tradition has it that the construction of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades is based on a legend. In 1580, a weaver and his wife fled the plague then rampant in Lisbon, and settled in Ericeira. Whilst there it was their custom to worship a statue of Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Our Lady of Health) located in a small chapel.
In about 1604, on their return to Lisbon following the decline of the plague, the couple decided to bring with them the statue that had protected their health. To fulfil promises of gratitude they determined to build a chapel for the statue of Our Lady of Health and construction duly began under the protection and patronage of Ana de Gouvêa de Vasconcellos, a rich landowner of the time.
As it was located in the Alcântara dock by the river Tagus the chapel soon became a compulsory stopping place for seafarers who appealed to the statue to protect their health and fulfil other needs (necessidades). As time passed this holy statue of Our Lady of Health became famous and its name was connected with other miracles. This lead the sailors on the Indian route to form a Brotherhood that not only enlarged the chapel but instituted an annual feast, the feast of the Holy Spirit or Olive Oil Feast, which included a procession to visit and revere the image of Our Lady of Needs. The legend of the miracle-working image spread rapidly amongst the population.
Struck by a serious illness in 1705, King Pedro II asked that the statue of Our Lady of Needs be brought to his presence. Once recovered and duly grateful, the king had the miraculous statue returned to its chapel and promised it royal protection during his lifetime.
King João V continued his father's devotion during the many times he was ill. To show his gratitude to the statue the king took possession of the chapel and the adjacent land "in the name of His Majesty and for his Royal Service" (...) declaring them "the property of the aforesaid 'Quinta da Sua Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades' and of all its belongings and trappings". In gratitude the king enlarged the chapel and built a palace. He also ordered a convent to be built, designated as a hospice, to house priests who were to dedicate their lives to the teaching of theology, the humanities and science.
The task was a considerable one and small adjacent properties were acquired so as to enlarge the close as well as design the convent and palace gardens. When work on the convent finished the Oratorian Congregation of Lisbon applied to the king for permission to occupy the premises.
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{K:34128} 6/5/2003